Reactions from Senators to proposals to abolish the Seanad demonstrate that new politicians are needed if a new direction in Irish politics is to be achieved.

We can’t expect all of our Senators to have an objective position on this issue; there is a vested interest on their part that the Seanad remains. Politics in this country needs to change, particularly our political structures and institutions. What we’re really hearing today is that many of our existing politicians may not be capable of leading that change.

A referendum on this issue should not be taken on the same day as a General Election as this will only confuse the issue – people might vote in favour as a means of venting their anger, which is perfectly understandable. Nor should abolishing the Seanad be done to save money. It should be premised on the need to improve our democracy.

Some argue that what is really needed is reform of our ‘upper’ house, not to dissolve it, but in fact the main reform that is needed is reform of our lower house – Dail Eireann. The Seanad is an appendage of the Irish Parliamentary system that no longer plays a useful role. Plans to reform it will only detract valuable time and resources from getting our parliamentary system right.

The Seanad should be abolished, but only after an election, and a referendum campaign dedicated to debate on political reform. The sooner an election is called the better so that a new generation of politicians can get in to government and help steer the country back onto the road of success.